The federal theft charge involving an Indian tribal organization carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine
A Yakima, Washington, resident has entered a guilty plea for stealing precious cultural items from the Northern Quest Resort & Casino in Airway Heights, yet the objects are still missing. Kevin William Wissman, 61, confessed in federal court on March 12 that he took five baby moccasins and a beaded leather glove from a display case in the casino’s Heritage Hall in October 2020.
Wissman Pleads Guilty Without Deal in Tribal Artifact Theft, Stolen Items Still Missing
Wissman changed his plea to guilty without striking a deal, after first saying he was not guilty. The federal charge of stealing from an Indian tribal group could lead to up to a year in jail and a $100,000 fine. US District Judge Thomas Rice asked Wissman to explain what he did. Wissman admitted he took the items but did not say where they are now, reported The Spokesman-Review.
The lost artifacts, dating from the 1940s, stand as irreplaceable elements of Kalispel tribal history. They sat on display in a shadow box at the casino when someone took them in the early morning of October 30, 2020. Security cameras captured Wissman breaking the display case and taking the artifacts. Law enforcement later recognized him from the video, but even after years of investigation, they have not found the stolen objects.
Law enforcement agencies, like the FBI and Kalispel Tribal Police, have been trying to find the missing items. Authorities charged Wissman in October 2023, but they could not track him down until cops caught him during a traffic stop near Yakima in January this year.
Kalispel Tribe Keeps $25K Reward Active as Hunt for Stolen Artifacts Continues
The Kalispel Tribe still wants to get back the stolen artifacts and keeps offering a $25,000 reward for any tips that help bring them back. Nick Pierre, who serves on the Kalispel Tribal Council and runs the Northern Quest Resort & Casino, put out a statement. He thanked law enforcement for catching the suspect but stressed that they would not consider the case closed until they recovered the artifacts.
Federal authorities have stressed how important this theft is. Acting US Attorney Richard Barker called the crime a huge loss for the Kalispel Tribe and said they will keep prosecuting these cases. Also, FBI Special Agent W. Mike Herrington said these cultural artifacts mean more than just old objects — they are a big part of who the Kalispel people are and where they come from.
Wissman, who has been in trouble before for burglary, theft, and possession of stolen property, is now in the Spokane County Jail. He will find out his sentence on June 12. The police are still asking anyone who knows where the artifacts are to call the Kalispel Tribal Police Department.
